WhatsApp increases security with two-step authentication

Back in April, WhatsApp introduced end-to-end encryption to all chats. Now, it is beefing up the security with yet another layer – the two-step authentication. According to several sources, the new feature is available in the app’s beta version on Android and Windows Phone for the moment.

The new feature comes as optional. In order to enable it, you need to go to your account settings and tap on 2-step verification option. You will see a screen with a message explaining the option and the enable button. Once you tap on it, you will be asked to provide a six-digit passcode, ‘which you’ll be asked for when you register your phone number with WhatsApp’. Once you enter the passcode, the two-step verification will become active on your phone number. This means that nobody will be able to activate WhatsApp using your phone number unless they can provide the passcode or have access to email account to reset it.

Furthermore, WhatsApp is also testing an option that will allow users to listen to audio messages in the background. You will not have to stay within the chat in order to listen to the audio message; it will play even if you switch to another chat or another app.

The option is also in beta testing. So non-testers will have to wait for it to appear for the wider audience.